Poway Road Corridor Study

The City has begun work on the future planning of Poway Road. In September 2014, the City hired MIG Inc., a planning and transportation consulting firm, to assist the City in planning for Poway Road’s future. The project, known as the Poway Road Corridor Study (PRCS), is expected to provide recommendations on land use, transportation, design/aesthetics, and economic development for Poway Road, the City’s main commercial corridor. The study will be based on an evaluation of existing land use and transportation conditions along Poway Road. The transportation and land use analysis will result in recommendations and an implementation strategy regarding the appropriate transportation improvements and mix of uses along the project corridor. These may include proposed changes to regulatory and policy documents such as the Poway Municipal Code (PMC) and the City’s General Plan.

Expected Study Results
The study will consist of the following components:

Poway Road Specific Plan Amendment - The PRCS will identify potential land use changes and zoning regulation amendments to implement the goals of the corridor. A key portion of the study will include an evaluation of the potential for mixed-use development in the “Town Center” area. The Town Center is an area within the corridor envisioned to have a concentrated development of commercial and residential uses and public spaces. The specific plan amendment will address land use, zoning (development criteria), Town Center concept recommendations, and design alternatives.

Complete Streets Report – The components of transportation and mobility will be summarized into a Complete Streets Report. This is required in order to meet all regional and State guidelines. Recommendations and implementation strategies to enhance the movement of pedestrians, bicycles, public transit and vehicles in the corridor will be included in the report.

Economic/Market Analysis and Implementation Strategy - As part of the overall study, MIG will conduct an economic/market analysis and produce recommendations on the appropriate mix of uses and an implementation strategy to stimulate new development within the Poway Road Corridor. The report will recommend actions the City can take to maximize land use and economic opportunities, which will be based on projected market supply/demand conditions and economic forecasts.

Timeline
The timeline for completion of the PRCS is approximately eighteen months. An ad-hoc committee consisting of business leaders, private citizens and other stakeholders will provide input on the project. In addition, public workshops and community meetings will be held periodically to gather community input. Community workshops will continue to be held in 2015 and 2016.

Funding
The PRCS project has been funded through the regional TransNet half-cent sales tax program administered by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). Once complete, the PRCS will be used by the City as a tool to guide future development review, capital improvements, and general plan and zoning code amendments.